NBA Rumors: According to a recent report, there is optimism that Luka Doncic is inching closer and closer to a return for the Dallas Mavericks.
Because of the late-season injury to Luka Doncic, the main goal for the Dallas Mavericks early on in their first-round NBA Playoff series against the Utah Jazz was simply to survive. Splitting the first two games on their home floor would justify doing just that.
As the series shifts to Utah for Game 3, it’s 1-1 and the Mavs could be getting the best news possible. According to a recent report, Luka is improving and could return for Game 3.
Game 3 is slated for Thursday, so Luka still has one full day to recover and improve. And thanks to their Game 2 win, the Mavs could theoretically give Luka more time to rest and not bring him back until Game 4 (which is Saturday).
Sources: There’s optimism Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic will return for Game 3 (Thursday) or Game 4 (Saturday) vs. Jazz. The calf strain that Doncic suffered on April 10 is improving and workouts over next two days could determine comeback timing.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 19, 2022
The Mavs, powered by a 41-point performance from Jalen Brunson, managed to outlast the Jazz in Game 2 to reignite the team in this series. I can’t imagine what the feeling would be right now if the Mavs were heading to Utah in a 2-0 series deficit. Despite what the word was on Luka.
As good as the Mavs have been with Luka this season, I wouldn’t love their chances of beating the Jazz four times in five tries.
However, now that the series is tied at one game apiece, the Mavs have to love their chances of winning this series. Even more so if Luka returns for Game 3.
Dallas got off to a rough start in this series and the Luka injury was absolutely gutting. However, there appears to be hope for the Mavs despite all that.
And if Luka is indeed back for Game 3, you’d have to love the Mavs’ chances of stealing one game in Utah.